Hammertoe is a contracture in one or both joints located in the four smaller toes. It starts with a slight curvature of the toe, causing rubbing and pressure on the top of the toe and the bottom of the foot. The pain starts out mild but gets progressively worse without treatment. In most cases, hammertoe starts out as a flexible deformity, requiring noninvasive treatment, but as it becomes rigid over time, it can require surgery. The key to battling hammertoe is early detection and treatment.
Bunions
Bunions, which are medium to large bumps at the second joint of the big toe, are one culprit in hammertoe occurrences. The bunion contains a fluid sac that, as it fills, causes redness and swelling and forces the big toe to gravitate inward. It crowds the smaller toes and causes misalignment in them. This can lead to hammertoe if left untreated.
Ill Fitting Shoes
Another cause of hammertoe is ill fitting shoes. When shoes crowd the toes, they can cause the muscles and tendons to contract and become rigid, leaving the toe with a permanent curvature. When buying shoes, it is important to leave enough room at the top of the shoe for longer toes. Any crowding of the toes is unacceptable and should be avoided. As the hammertoe rubs against the tops of the shoe, corns and callouses can form, becoming very painful, and in some instances, open sores can form as well. It is important to keep corns trimmed and callouses filed down. Using corn and callous pads will also promote healing and comfort.
Trauma and Genes
In some cases, hammertoe can be attributed to a trauma such as a broken toe. As the bone heals, it may not heal straight or the muscles and tendons may become rigid and unable to straighten themselves. Genetics may also play a role in hammertoes: Some people are born with a longer second toe and due to the length, weight is not properly distributed. The tip of the toe then is pushed forward, causing the upper joint to bend. According to Dr. David Zuckerman, D.P.M., muscle weakness and arthritis can also be contributing factors to hammertoe conditions.
